Keeping Moms and Babies Safe During the Pandemic
3/22/2021
North Okaloosa Medical Center welcomed more than 480 newborns in 2020 and is prepared to deliver more this year
CRESTVIEW, Florida, 03/22/21 – The delivery of babies has been a happy event for the labor and delivery team at NOMC over the past year. Hundreds of infants have taken their first breath at the hospital and been a welcomed sight in the midst of the global pandemic.
While the virus has changed many things in the world – the hospital’s childbirth center and nursery are a pleasant constant, located in a separate, enclosed area to provide specialized care and dedicated services. An experienced team of nurses and obstetricians work exclusively with the moms and babies through delivery and post-partum care.
“The relationship between an expectant mother and her obstetrician is an important one,” said Jacob Lassiter, M.D., OBGYN practicing at North Okaloosa Physician Group’s Women’s Health Specialists office. “The strength and trust in that relationship becomes even more important during unprecedented times like a pandemic,” Lassiter continued. “For me, it’s a privilege to support the moms and babies who are counting on us and I want my patients to feel safe and confident delivering at NOMC. Our labor and delivery unit is a special place designed to keep them safe.”
Pre-natal care remains critical and women are encouraged to stay in contact with their obstetrician and keep their appointments to be sure their pregnancy is on track. And once baby is here, regular visits to the pediatrician are important to help them thrive.
The hospital and physician clinics keep the safety of their patients as the top priority. Many actions have been taken to enhance infection prevention and support social distancing to maintain a safe environment during the pandemic.
When an expectant mom arrives at the hospital, she goes to the main screening entrance located at the ER where staff will check her temperature, test for COVID-19 and complete a screening questionnaire. Moms can have one guest who stays with them in their room throughout their stay; the individual must have tested negative for COVID-19, will be screened regularly, and must wear a mask at all times.
Labor and delivery proceed as they always have and most adjacent procedures remain available. Tubal ligation after delivery is an option if a mother is negative for COVID-19 and circumcisions can also be performed. Breastfeeding is encouraged, even for moms who test positive for COVID-19 and can protect their infant by wearing a mask.
Bringing new life into the world is a momentous occasion, and no mom should feel alone or confused when caring for a new baby. The maternity staff at North Okaloosa Medical Center is proud to be a part of this exciting time in your life and offers monthly childbirth and breastfeeding classes to help you and your family prepare for your new arrival.
For more information on maternity classes, visit the events section of the hospital website at www.northokaloosa.com/classes-events.
For information on the Birthing Center at NOMC, visit northokaloosababies.com or call (850) 689-8340, and if you need help finding an obstetrician, pediatrician or another physician, visit the “Find a Doctor” link at the top of the page or call (850) 689-8445.
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